Newcastle United have been dealt a blow ahead of what promises to be a hectic week on the schedule. The Magpies are preparing for a busy run, starting with Saturday’s clash against Burnley, followed by trips to face Bayer Leverkusen in Europe and their fierce Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
With the derby looming, Eddie Howe will want as many key players available as possible, but injury issues may prevent that from happening.
Yoane Wissa, who has been sidelined with a knee problem, is hopeful of making the squad against Burnley. His return would be a boost for Howe, particularly given Wissa’s ability to add pace and creativity in the final third.
Despite his injury struggles, he has been working hard in training and is pushing to be fit for the upcoming match. However, Wissa is not the only player on the injury list, and unfortunately, another regular starter will miss a few games.
Dutch centre-back Sven Botman has been struggling with a back issue, and Newcastle confirmed he would see a specialist ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Unfortunately, the prognosis suggests that Botman is set to be sidelined for multiple matches, including the all-important Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland. Craig Hope of the Daily Mail provided an update on both players ahead of the Burnley game, reporting that Wissa is still pushing for selection, but Botman will not be available.
The full timeline for Botman’s return will be clearer once he undergoes a scan this week, but it is expected to rule him out for at least the next three fixtures.
Botman’s absence represents a significant challenge for Howe. The Dutchman has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s defence since his arrival, providing not only strength and consistency at the back but also leadership on the field.
His defensive capabilities are crucial, particularly during a busy run of fixtures where squad rotation and stability are key. Howe will need to reorganize his backline carefully, potentially giving opportunities to other defenders in the squad to step up in Botman’s absence.
Meanwhile, Wissa’s potential return could offset some of the defensive challenges by adding attacking options and creativity. Howe may look to integrate him gradually, depending on his fitness, and may consider rotating other squad members to ensure players remain fresh across three demanding fixtures.
Fans will be particularly keen to see how Howe balances the team for the Burnley match, with attention also on young talents like Anthony Gordon, who impressed as a substitute against Spurs and could be given a starting role if Wissa is unavailable.
This sequence of matches tests both Newcastle’s depth and Howe’s managerial acumen. Burnley presents an immediate challenge in the Premier League, while the European trip to Leverkusen will demand tactical focus and careful squad management.
The Tyne-Wear derby adds an extra layer of intensity, with local pride and bragging rights at stake. Howe will need to make strategic decisions regarding rotation, fitness, and player management to navigate this period successfully.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Howe adapts to these absences. Botman’s enforced break provides a chance for other defenders to demonstrate their quality, while Wissa’s potential comeback will be a welcome boost if he can return to full fitness.
Newcastle’s ability to maintain momentum across this period will depend heavily on squad management, player performance, and the manager’s tactical decisions.
If Howe can navigate these challenges successfully, the Magpies will have a chance to make a strong statement in both the Premier League and European competitions over the next week.
